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30 May 2014

David Ben on Ross Bertram and Sleight-of-Hand

Ross Bertram
was a legendary figure in the world of magic, first coming to
international prominence for his pure sleight-of-hand in the 1940s when
he was invited to be part of the “Stars of Magic”, the magic equivalent
of a art movement or group, whose techniques were offered by
subscription to magicians around the world. Dai Vernon, his friend, and
fellow Canadian, and the most influential magician of the 20th
century, had invited him to participate. Ross disappeared from view in
the 1960s, the stress and strain of a life in show business having taken
its toll. He reappeared in the late 70s, just when my interest in
sleight-of-hand began to percolate.